Hey, Good Game

Aman Rawal and Ben Hollier, co-founders of MathHeads, share insights into their popular math game designed to make mental math fun. They dive into backend challenges and the innovative multiplayer features that enhance user engagement. The duo highlights their strategic use of Discord for community interaction and iterative development based on player feedback. They also candidly discuss the complexities of monetization and navigating infrastructure costs while emphasizing growth before profits, along with unexpected collaboration opportunities.

Andrew Bartle, the mastermind behind QuizWise and co-founder of PeerWeb Limited, shares his inspiring journey from childhood game developer to successful entrepreneur. He discusses the transformative power of passion in gaming and the profound influence of his late collaborator, Barry Lakeman. The conversation dives into the balance between ad revenue and user experience, the use of AI for quality control, and the importance of user feedback in crafting captivating quizzes. Bartle also reflects on future aspirations and the communal aspect of quiz-taking.

Nildo Jr., a Brazilian software engineer and the creative mind behind the popular word-guessing game Contexto, shares his unique journey from a tech enthusiast to a full-time game creator. He discusses the challenges of simplifying game mechanics for player engagement and the role of user feedback in refining his games. Nildo emphasizes the importance of shareability for growth and explores the educational potential of games. His insights unveil the blend of human intuition and machine logic crucial for captivating gameplay and the social connections formed through gaming.

Garry Schyman, a celebrated composer known for his work on games like Bioshock and Dante’s Inferno, shares his fascinating journey through the world of game scoring. He discusses the art of blending creativity with project needs and the importance of delivering your best work. Garry also tackles the impact of AI on music, presenting it as both a tool and a challenge for artists. Additionally, his experiences at USC reveal the significance of mentorship, while his anecdotes from Abbey Road Studios add a touch of magic to his creative process.

Nate and Aaron reflect on their 18-month journey of bootstrapping their gaming venture. They discuss the importance of user feedback and how it shapes their game improvements. The duo explores their advertising strategies and the benefits of self-funding over venture capital. They also emphasize the diversity of their podcast guests while inviting listeners to suggest future participants. Plus, they dive into the challenges of tracking player statistics and their plans for an integrated gaming account system.

Keythe Farley, an experienced voice actor, dives into the fascinating world of video game voice acting. He reflects on his gaming journey, from classic pinball to iconic titles like Tomb Raider. Keythe discusses the challenges of performance capture and the emotional depth required for voice acting. The conversation also tackles the impact of AI on the industry, raising ethical concerns about voice cloning and fair compensation for actors. His insights underscore the balance between technology and artistry in bringing characters to life.

Josh Plotner, a multi-talented musician and producer, has carved out a niche by blending his Broadway experience with video game music composition. He talks about his fascinating journey from playing in The Lion King to embracing the unique challenges in video game soundtracks. Josh shares insights on the versatility of world flutes and how they influence his work. He also discusses the impact of technology on recording and emphasizes the importance of networking and specialization in today’s music industry.

Daniel Tait, a prolific indie game developer behind hits like Mathler and CrossWordle, shares his journey from childhood tinkering to industry success. He discusses using AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance gameplay, emphasizes the value of rapid prototyping, and reveals his unique game launch strategies leveraging Hacker News and Reddit. Daniel highlights the creative balance between personal enjoyment and engaging the community, along with how domain names can inspire game concepts. His latest project, WordNerd.co, aims to unite word game enthusiasts.

Gabe Cornish, a seasoned game creator with over 40 published titles, shares his journey navigating the game industry. He emphasizes the thrill of making games regularly for fun rather than profit. Gabe advocates for embracing imperfection and exploring freeware development for sustainability. He discusses balancing personal projects with career challenges, highlighting the importance of community and innovative monetization strategies like Patreon. His insights inspire a carefree and passionate approach to game development.

Eric Albaest, co-founder and CEO of Chess.com, shares his journey from e-commerce to revolutionizing online chess. He reveals how the platform grew to 5-10 million daily players thanks to strategic community engagement and media integration. The huge surge in popularity, particularly after Netflix’s "The Queen's Gambit," is discussed alongside the psychological dynamics of chess. Albaest emphasizes the importance of balancing content and product while exploring how streaming has driven Chess.com's phenomenal growth.